Page 56 of Evil Bones
Though fewer in number, the array of red pins was impressive. And showed one area of overlap with the blue spread.
Silence surrounded us as we both studied our handiwork.
“Looks like a Venn diagram,” I said.
“Don’t go getting all jargony,” Slidell said.
I considered how I might explain the concept to a high schooler.
“A Venn diagram is an illustration that uses overlapping circles to show the logical relationship between two or more sets of items.”
Frowny stare.
I dropped down to middle school.
“Think of it this way. Circles that overlap have a commonality. Circles that don’t overlap share none of each other’s traits.”
Slidell’s next question suggested he grasped the concept. Maybe.
“Can it do three?”
“You mean add another data set?”
“There you go again with the lingo.”
“Yes.”
“Let’s plug in displays.”
We used green pins to plot the locations at which decorated remains had been found.
Again, one pattern was obvious.
While there were outliers, the diagram showed a triangular area in which all three colors overlapped densely. Reports of missing pets. Reports of animal mutilation. Decorated displays.
“Looks like the jerkwad’s liking Highway 74 these days,” Slidell said. “Lately he’s working a stretch northwest from Matthews.”
I couldn’t disagree.
“The hoods he’s hitting are mostly residential, but there’s also some areas with warehouses and depots.”
“You’re thinking he lives within that overlap area?”
“Maybe,” Slidell mumbled, eyes never leaving the board. “Or maybe he keeps his nasty little hobby away from his crib.”
“In an area he considers safe. One he knows well.”
“The toad probably don’t venture too far from his comfort zone.”
I suspected Slidell was thinking aloud, not talking to me. Still, I tossed out,
“Perhaps he has a place he uses as his hunting ground.”
“Yeah. Why piss off the neighbors by snatching their pets?”
“If that’s true, he’d have to own a car. Or have access to one.”
“He sure as shit ain’t hauling dead animals by CATS.” Slidell referred to the Charlotte Area Transit System.
